Engine Upgrade Meets New Emissions Regs

The new K38-M Tier 2 is suited to demanding high hours, high load markets such as tugs and towing, inland waterways transportation, and offshore supply.

The 38 litre V12 engine shares most hardware with its predecessor. By using a footprint, mount, ratings and optional equipment similar to the existing product, vessel installation has been simplified.

Emissions compliance has been achieved by minor modifications in air handling and and fueling, adjustments to timing and the addition of low temperature aftercooling. The engine also features the proven Cummins PT fuel system enhanced by Centry electronic governing, making it one of the few high horsepower Tier 2 certified engines with a mechanically controlled fuel system.

In addition to reduced emissions, the K38-M Tier 2 offers several other benefits. Improved air handling and fuel system optimisation give improved fuel consumption and less smoke compared to the Tier 1 product. The Centry electronic controls and protective shielding give safer, more responsive operation.

The K38M Tier 2 will be manufactured by Cummins on the same production line as the current KTA38-M0. It will initially be offered in a rating of 850 hp at 1,800 rpm for continuous duty marine applications.

With more than 500 tugs currently being built around the world, engine builders are all working to capacity to keep up. One recent Cummins placement is twin KTA50-M2 main engines rated 1,600 hp each at 1,800 rpm for continuous duty on the newbuild ASD tug ‘R/M Cabo Blanco’, whose main duty will be docking the ever larger container ships calling at the Port of Callo, near Lima in Peru. The 24.55m tug was built at the South American SIMA shipyard for Agencia Maritima Cosmos.